"This year's team works very well together and we talk on and off the field, and that's important, especially for the goalie," Siegel said. "Talking builds relationships among players. We're always telling each other who to mark up, or to get back."

As goalie, Siegel, a captain, has the best seat in the house and gets a great view of the field. She admits to being loud and using that trait to communicate with teammates, particularly on defense.

"Our team, as a whole, is definitely unified, both on and off the field, and our relationships determine our strength," Brandes said. "Everyone is always there for each other. You have to have that trust in everyone. If you have that trust off the field, on the field it's even stronger."

The trust factor pays dividends in field hockey, Brandes said, noting that if a mistake is made on the field, someone will be there to lend support. Trust also comes into play when passing.

Senior Anna

Guiney explained that being in good shape goes a long way in field hockey.

"Coach (Kerry Berry) expects us to be able to run. We ran three miles the first day, did sprints and ran the stairs, and that really determines who makes it," Guiney said. "So we try to get in shape and play as a team once the season starts. JV and varsity are often together, and coach expects us to look out for the younger kids. We also want to represent Wachusett and Wachusett field hockey in the best way possible."

"This team works very well as a unit, and that's so important," senior Emelia Thibeault said. "We do a lot together off the field — pasta parties, et cetera. Knowing we're going to have fun together off the field gives us more incentive to work hard in practice. It's one big family here — nobody is excluded. The seniors are proud of the younger players — the sophomores and juniors have really stepped up this year."

Senior captain Jen Windler has been one of many early standouts. Windler hit the winning goal in a 3-2 win over Algonquin Regional last Friday. Guiney and Emilie Watson had assists.

"We expect to make the postseason, and we will strive to win districts," Windler said. "But we'll have to take it one game at a time, learn from our mistakes and work together towards our common goal."

Tomahawks look strong again

Algonquin Regional's perennially powerful field hockey team sports a nice mix of seasoned seniors and talented underclassmen. The combination, further fueled by a good work ethic and an upbeat attitude, has worked well, as evidenced by the Tomahawks' three straight wins to start the season.

"Overall, this year's team is the highest skilled group that I've had," coach Dan Welty said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing how good this team is going to get over the coming weeks. It will definitely be fun to watch."

Algonquin started the season with victories over Nashoba, Westboro and Hudson. Wachusett handed the Tomahawks their first loss, 3-2, last Friday.

Losses are something that senior captains Molly Dore and Maggie Wraight have not experienced often in their four-year varsity careers. During their first three seasons, Dore and Wraight competed on teams that compiled a 45-11-8 record.

This run includes Central Mass. Division 1 championships in 2010 and 2011, and a trip to the state final in 2010.

"With a 3-0 start, our girls are well on their way to reclaiming a district championship," Welty said.

Algonquin is sparked by strength at midfield, with Dore and senior Jordan Howorth, and junior Caty Lazo leading the way. Meanwhile, sophomore Taylor Long represents the team's future. She has put up impressive numbers with six goals and two assists through three games. Long, who scored both goals against Wachusett, led the league in goals last year with 10.

On defense, the skill of junior Clare Strickland and senior Tori O'Keefe support improving senior Abbie Haskell in net.

Haskell is a first-year starter, having replaced all-star Kate Sears, who is now playing at St. Anselm College. Haskell had shutouts in two of the first three games.

First-year varsity player Baelyn Duffy, a sophomore, has earned her starting position and is helped by her versatility. Welty added that Duffy's defensive intuition is "second to none" and is complemented by her great elimination skills.

First-year varsity players Michaela Davies, Victoria Royo and Grace Grimaldli, all juniors, have had an impact with their scoring and passing. Freshman Lauren Speranzella is getting better each day and will likely become an adept scorer.

Returning seniors Danielle Fucci, Jackie Kimball and Carolyn Sacco have been major contributors. The trio provide strong all-around play and set the tone for the team's high level of play.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!